The future of a Coventry day centre for homeless people is in jeopardy after it was targeted twice in a week by ?spiteful? burglars.

Norton House, in Bird Street, Hillfields, a registered charity which helps homeless and vulnerable people in the city, was broken into overnight on Sunday and Monday this week.

Offices were trashed and computer equipment, video recorders, cash and other items totalling an estimated #4,500 were taken in the raids which have left staff angered and upset.

Yesterday, up to 50 homeless men and women had to be turned away in the rain while staff cleared up and tried to repair some of the damage.

Norton House manager Patrick Vercoe, 54, says that ?irreplaceable? information has been lost on the stolen computers which he believes will have an impact on fundraising and the future of the house.

He said: ?We were turning people away into the rain all day and it?s been heartbreaking. If we don?t help these people then nobody else will.

?I was very shocked and upset when I came in and saw we had been burgled for the second consecutive day. It was like Groundhog day and we spent most of today cleaning up the mess.

?We have lost databases and important information. The computers will be replaced but not all the work on them. We were in the process of making an electronic application to the Community Fund which was two days? work we have now lost.?

Norton House opened in 1978 in response to the city?s growing number of homeless and vulnerable people.

It provides essential services such as hot drinks and meals, entertainment, advice, as well as bathing and laundry facilities.

It is part funded by Coventry City Council?s social services department and the Coventry Primary Care Trust but gains the bulk of its finance from charities and grants.

Mr Vercoe said: ?This has had a real effect on the morale of my staff. We are here to help people and when something like this happens it?s a real kick in the teeth. It is very disheartening, especially when these incidents could have a real impact on the long-term future of this centre.?

West Midlands Police confirmed they are investigating the two reported incidents of burglary.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact officers in Hillfields on 0845 113 500.